Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

Recommended reading: “The Screwtape Letters.” Recommended movie: “Nefarious.”

Start with Context:

Ephesians 6:10-20 is the final section of Paul's letter, where he shifts focus to the theme of spiritual warfare. Paul uses the metaphor of armor to describe the resources and strength believers have in their battle against the spiritual forces of evil. This passage is grounded in the earlier exhortations to live out the implications of being a new creation in Christ, highlighting the need for spiritual vigilance and reliance on God's power.

Read Ephesians 6:10-20 aloud.

Spiritual warfare is an abstract concept. It’s not so much seen as it is felt. This warfare manifests itself through temptations, doubts, and conflicts that challenge our faith and integrity. On an extreme level, spiritual warfare can manifest itself through hearing voices, seeing visions, haunting dreams, etc. As a group, discuss the concept of spiritual warfare. What do we learn from Ephesians about the nature of our struggle and the spiritual realm from these verses? Is there a time when you felt like you were in a spiritual battle or “under attack”?

Though spiritual warfare may be different than regular warfare, St. Paul still encourages armor, albeit a different armor than we might wear if we were actually fighting a battle. Talk about the individual components. Discuss how each piece of the armor (truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God) can be practically applied in your daily life. How have these protected and equipped you in the past?

How can understanding that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces change our perspective on the challenges we face?

Reflect on which piece of the armor of God you feel most challenged to apply in your life. Why?

Identify specific ways to put on each piece of the armor of God. For example, how can you practice truth-telling and righteousness in your interactions?

Conclude with a prayer asking for God’s strength and protection as you seek to live out these principles. Pray for each other’s specific needs and challenges.